To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Low Birth Weight Linked to Haemangioma in Infants URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/22F272.htm Doctor's Guide October 20, 2008
MILWAUKEE, Wis -- October 20, 2008 -- Low birth weight is the most significant factor for the development of infantile haemangioma, according to a study published in the November 2008 issue of The Journal of Pediatrics. "Our institution has seen a dramatic increase in the number of infants presenting for care with haemangiomas. We believe the results of this study provide an explanation for this emerging paediatric health issue," said Beth Drolet, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin, and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "For every 1.1 pound decrease in birth weight, the risk of haemangioma increased 9-fold." Recently, there has been an increase in the number of US infants born under 5.5 pounds. In 2005, 8.2% of infants born in the US weighed less than 5.5 pounds. This is the highest percentage recorded since 1968 and is higher than the rate in most industrialised countries. "The link to low birth weight may explain why physicians believe more infants are developing haemangiomas. Based on low birth weight statistics, we estimate that the incidence of infantile haemangiomas has increased by 40% in the last 20 years," said Dr. Drolet. "We urgently need further research to evaluate existing medications so that more evidence-based approaches to management can be established," said Dr. Drolet. "Our study also underscores the need for continuing education of providers caring for children in distinguishing benign haemangiomas from those with the greatest potential for complications and need for treatment." SOURCE: Medical College of Wisconsin --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.